Vol. 11, Special Issue 7 (2022)

Author(s):
Rashmika A Kumbhar, Vijay M Shinde, Indira A Ghonmode and Sagar P Tarate

Abstract:
The global agriculture often faces new threats from invasive alien insect pests, pathogens, weeds etc requiring immediate attention and co-operative action to manage the pest. In this regard, the fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda is a notorious pestiferous insect. The pest has been reported for the first time in India in Karnataka in July 2018 and subsequently in a few other states such as Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Odisha. The caterpillars are voracious feeders and attack all parts of the maize crop (stem, leaves, cobs, tassels,) at all stages of the crop development. Managing this pest is very challenging due to the pest characteristics of high reproduction, long distant flight, diverse pathways of spread coupled with favourable prevailing climatic conditions for its population build up. The pest can persist in an area throughout the year where there is availability of alternative hosts and favourable temperatures. The pest threatens to Food and nutrition security, Feeds industry, Employment and Trade. As the pest Spodoptera frugiperda is polyphagous pest as per the available literature, efforts are needed to manage the pest effectively and its further spread. The present paper reviews the current status and management of fall armyworm in India.